Essex duo Kaneria, Westfield arrested in 'betting' probe - report

Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria and his Essex county colleague Mervyn Westfield were arrested on Saturday in connection with a police investigation into betting, a club official told the Press Association.

Kaneria, 29, and 22-year-old pace bowler Westfield were questioned on Friday before being released on bail.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Two men from Chelmsford have been arrested in connection with a police investigation into first class domestic cricket match irregularities.

"The investigation began in March 2010 following allegations received about two Essex county cricket players.

"On Friday May 14, two men aged 22 and 29 were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud and both were released on police bail until September 15 pending further inquiries."

An Essex cricket club representative confirmed to the Press Association that the players involved were Kaneria and Westfield.

It is understood the match in question was a 40-over win against Durham last September.

Both men will be free to continue playing until September 15, meaning Kaneria will be available for Pakistan's Test series against England.

The investigation centres on the practice of 'spot-fixing' whereby money is placed on individual details in a match.